Mr. Thomas M. O'Connell Sr.

Thomas M. O'Connell Sr., 87, of Prospect Park, formerly of Girardville, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2012 at Springfield Commons Retirement Center surrounded by his family. He was born August 21, 1924 in Girardville, the son of the late Michael and Anne (nee Roache) O'Connell. Thomas was a 1942 graduate of St. Joseph's High School in Girardville, was a U.S. Army Veteran serving during WWII, achieving the rank of Sergeant and was a retired manager from Emery Air Freight after 25 years of service. He was also involved in battles at Normandy, Northern France, Central Europe and the Rhineland and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four Bronze Stars. Thomas was very active with St. Madeline's Catholic Church as a Eucharistic Minister, enjoyed going to Maryland for camping, fishing, crabbing and boating and loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He was a lifetime member of the Peace Council in Milmont Park, a member of the Prospect Park Fire Company, the Borough Council, 4th of July Association, the Interboro Optimist Club, Prospect Park Boys Club and the American Legion Post 507. Thomas was also the President of the Parent's Guild at Immaculata College and he was a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years Rosemary O'Connell (nee Birster); his daughter Judith Anne O'Connell and his siblings William, Al, Howard, Mary Zutlas and Cletus Finlan. He is survived by his loving children Thomas M. O'Connell Jr. (Gloria), Rosemary Azeff (Daniel), Patrick O'Connell (Sheila) and Kathleen Smith (Frank); also survived by his eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation Sunday evening from 7-9pm and Monday after 8:30am at the Cavanagh Family Funeral Home 301 Chester Pike Norwood. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday 10am in the Church of St. Madeline, Ridley Park. Interment with military honors will be at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. James Regional Catholic School 500 Tome St. Ridley Park, PA 19078.